Later this year, Canadians will vote in the 43rd federal election. Many non-profit organizations, networks, and coalitions see elections as a critical opportunity to raise relevant public policy issues. Recently, the rules for charities engaging in public policy have become a prominent source of debate and discussion in government and the sector. As we countdown to the next election, The Philanthropist will be asking non-profit leaders what public policy issues are top of mind for them.
Name and organization: Sidney Ribaux, co-founder and former executive director of Equiterre
What current election issues might impact your work?
The current and most urgent election issue is climate change. What the parties and candidates will do and say regarding this will impact our work here at Equiterre during the election and after.
What issues would you like to bring more attention to in the election?
We would like the parties to discuss and commit to climate solutions including, but also beyond, putting a price on carbon, which is taking up too much of the public debate. In light of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report on greenhouse gases guidelines, the focus of the election should be on reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using a variety of public policy tools. For instance, we would like candidates to commit to reducing emissions related to transportation (the second largest source of GHG emissions) through regulations that will increase the sale of Zero Emission Vehicles in Canada. The discussion during the election should also be about phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and building a greener economy using a Just Transition approach, that will minimize the impact on workers and communities, in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Where can we learn more about these issues?
Information on renewable energy: https://www.aqper.com/en
Fossil fuel subsidies: http://equiterre.org/en/news/february-action-of-the-month-seeing-clearly-in-troubled-oily-water-understand-fossil-fuel-subsi
Plug N’ Drive: electric vehicle resources: https://www.plugndrive.ca/
